On behalf of the Northern Illinois Conference laity, I greet you in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!  Let us continue to embrace 2025 by recognizing that His “Grace is Sufficient.”   

The uniqueness of being a United Methodist is our connectionism. We are greater than the sum our parts. We share more in common than what separates us. We are connected to all United Methodists; and through Christ, to all of our siblings across the globe. This was never more evident than our recent 40-day journey through the wilderness to Calvary, ultimately to find an empty tomb.   

Siblings, remain resolute in the words from “Pues Si Vivimos” (United Methodist Hymnal, #356): “When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus; and when we are dying, it is in the Lord! Both in our living and in our dying; we belong to God, we belong to God. ...  When we are giving or when receiving, we belong to God, we belong to God. ...  Across this wide world, we shall always find those who are crying, with no peace of mind; but when we help them, or when we feed them, we belong to God, we belong to God.”  

Know who you are, but more importantly whose you are: we belong to God! There are those who work so hard to divide us and sever our connectionism.  Don’t allow their actions to separate us from the love and joy that Christ provides. Philippians 4:11-12 tells us that in whatsoever situation we find ourselves, we are to find a measure of contentment. God is still in control, and His “Grace is Sufficient.”   

We look forward to seeing you at Annual Conference. Don’t forget to register. Guests and voting members are welcome at Laity Session. Go with Christ as we celebrate our connectionism and be well. Amen!